Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $248,995 in federal funding for three Hudson Valley fire departments. The Village of Larchmont Fire Department in Westchester County will receive $59,375, the Philipstown North Highlands Fire District in Putnam County will receive $110,675 and the Roosevelt Fire District in Dutchess County will receive $78,945. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These much-needed funds will allow three Hudson Valley fire departments to invest in the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources they need has always been a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”
“These are important investments for the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the right equipment to save lives. The Village of Larchmont Fire Department, Philipstown North Highlands Fire District and the Roosevelt Fire District will use this funding to purchase critical, life-saving equipment that will help them better serve their communities and save more lives.”
The Larchmont Fire Department is located in Westchester County and is made up of career and volunteer firefighters. They serve more than 6,000 residents and answer more than one thousand calls per year. They will use the $59,375 in federal funding to purchase 25 sets of turnout gear and a thermal imaging camera.
“On behalf of the members of the Larchmont Fire Department I would like to thank United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and New York State Senator George Latimer for their support in securing this much needed Department of Homeland Security Firefighter Assistance Grant,” said Chief John Caparelli, Larchmont Fire Department. “The Larchmont Fire Department is a small department in lower Westchester County, New York and operates with a limited budget. This grant funding will enable our department to purchase much needed personal protective equipment for our firefighters as well as replace a thermal Imaging camera that is over 13 years old and has become obsolete. This new equipment will increase firefighter safety and allow our personnel to better serve the residents of Larchmont. Thank you.”
The Philipstown North Highlands Fire District in Putnam County is a completely volunteer force, which works to serve Philipstown and surrounding areas. They will use the $110,675 in federal funding to replace all of their self-contained breathing apparatuses.
“I am happy to announce that North Highlands Fire Department has recently been awarded an AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant). I would like to thank the Board of Fire Commissioners and everyone who assisted us in obtaining this grant and everyone who continues to support this great program,” said Joseph Hyatt, Chief North Highlands Fire Department. “With the grant North Highlands will be replacing all of our Self Contained Breathing Apparatus units, (SCBA’s) with new up to date NFPA compliant units. SCBA’s allow firefighters to enter burning buildings by supplying fresh breathing air; these new units will have the most current up to date safety features for the protection of the firefighters.”
The Roosevelt Fire District in Dutchess County is made up of more than 100 volunteer firefighters who work to serve more than 3,000 residents. They will use the $78,945 in federal funding to purchase 34 sets of protective gear for firefighters.
“The AFG grant will be used to replace 34 sets of protective gear, replacing existing sets that have gone beyond their useful lifespan,” said Daniel Nichols, Roosevelt Fire District Fire and EMS Chief. “With this grant, the safety of our volunteers members will greatly be increased.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.